I don’t know if you’ve heard, but expedition cruising is the next big thing in travel. Every year, we’re seeing more and more cruisers forgoing traditional travel in favour of once-ina-lifetime adventures.
This being the case, “Ahead of the curve” is something of an understatement for HX Expeditions, who have just celebrated their 130th anniversary. That’s an impressive milestone by anyone’s standards! From immersive itineraries to stunning state of the art ships, over a century in the expedition cruising game is testament to the way HX go above and beyond in everything they do.
Speaking of above and beyond… just wait until you see the suites! Champagne on arrival, daily turndown service, access to a world-class restaurant—even your own hot tub! You might be following in the footsteps of famous travellers, but we can guarantee they weren’t travelling like this!
Luxurious surroundings aside, one of the things that excites me the most about HX Expeditions is their incredible Citizen Science programme. With a team of leading experts, a high-tech Science Centre and partnerships with globally recognised organisations,
HX are something of a triple threat. When you set sail with them, you’ll be joining an exclusive club of travellers who’ve been able to get stuck into key projects and give something back.
I could talk about HX Expeditions all day, but if you really want to get into the nitty-gritty of what expedition cruising with them is like, look no further than the Panache Expeditions team. After all, there’s no better way to get a feel for a cruise line or destination than experiencing it for yourself. From Antarctica to the Arctic to the Galápagos, our team have first-hand experience of exploring the globe alongside HX Expeditions. You can read all about it in this brochure.
So, sit back, grab a cuppa and keep reading to find out exactly what has made HX Expeditions the leading cruise line as they celebrate 130 years of exploration. Though I must warn you, it may inspire some serious wanderlust…
All the best,
James Cole Founder and CEO Panache Expeditions
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Meet the Fleet
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130th Anniversary
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Citizen Science
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Suites
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Antarctica
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Arctic
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Galápagos
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We’ve been on board
Scan the QR code for the absolute best HX Expeditions deals
Lecture Library, MS Santa Cruz II
MEET fleet THE
When it comes to once-in-a-lifetime journeys to the edge of the earth, it’s impossible to call HX Expeditions anything but pioneers. With an impressive 130 years of exploration, experience and expertise behind them, they have blazed a trail that has lit the way for generations of adventurous travellers. Put simply, HX Expeditions are truly the last word in combining understated luxury with cultural experiences and wildlife encounters that must be seen to be believed.
Drawing on their rich Norwegian heritage, HX’s fleet comprises five ships - or ‘basecamps at sea’ – each one boasting the sleek Scandinavian design, state-of-the-art amenities and ultracomfortable staterooms one would expect to find on any luxury vessel. As far as HX are concerned, an expedition
cruise should never mean sacrificing a morning cappuccino on your balcony, a daily dip in the hot tub or your favourite pre-dinner cocktail in the lounge. However, style and facilities aside, these ships are more than just a pretty face. Each one is purpose-designed to explore the most ecologically sensitive regions on earth, with the two newest additions – MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen – equipped with cutting-edge hybrid-power technology, reducing carbon emissions by 20%.
All that said, the real treasures of an HX expedition lie beyond the ship, woven into excursions that lift the curtain on these enigmatic destinations. Whichever form the day’s activities take – hiking, Zodiac cruises, kayaking, history tours, wildlife watching – you can rest easy in the knowledge that you’ll be
accompanied by a team of experts throughout. Hailing from a vast range of fields, these are some of the greatest minds on earth—and HX Expeditions provides a unique opportunity to mine their expertise and hear their incredible stories first hand.
In short, HX Expeditions understands the difference between simply visiting a place and being changed by it. Between learning about other cultures and stepping into them. Between looking and actually seeing. From craggy Arctic horizons to the jewel-hued Galápagos archipelago to Antarctica’s pristine plains, a voyage with HX takes you beyond the bucket list and opens your eyes to a side of the planet you have never seen before.
MS Roald Amundsen
Ms Fridtjof Nansen
Fully Hybrid Ship
The second fully hybrid ship in the fleet, MS Fridtjof Nansen truly marks a new chapter of environmentally-conscious travel for HX, taking discerning guests to the most isolated corners of the globe.
» Launched: 2020
» Guest Capacity: 490
» Crew: 150
» Decks: 11
» 20, 889 tonnes
Ms Spitsbergen
Designed for Arctic Sailings
Named after the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, MS Spitsbergen retains strong links to HX’s Norwegian heritage, taking adventurous guests to the heart of the Arctic.
» Launched: 2009
» Refurbished: 2025
» Guest Capacity: 150
» Crew: 65-80
» Decks: 8
» 7,344 tonnes
Ms Santa Cruz II
Small Expedition Ship
Ms Roald Amundsen
World’s First Fully Hybrid Ship
One of two fully hybrid ships in the fleet, MS Roald Amundsen is as revolutionary as the explorer for whom she’s named, traversing the polar regions without ever compromising on luxury and sustainability.
» Launched: 2019
» Guest Capacity: 490
» Crew: 150
» Decks: 11
» 20,889 tonnes
Ms Fram
Inspired by the Original Fram
Named in homage to the world’s greatest exploration vessel, MS Fram showcases the hidden splendours of the world for a new generation of travellers.
» Launched: 2007
» Refurbished: 2025
» Guest Capacity: 200
» Crew: 75
» Decks: 8
» 11, 647 tonnes
Explore paradise aboard MS Santa Cruz II for the ultimate small-ship expedition experience, purpose-built to sail the Galápagos.
» Launched: 2002
» Refurbished: 2021
» Guest Capacity: 90
» Crew: 50
» Decks: 5
» 2,664 tonnes
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME
N130 YEARS OF EXPEDITIONS
ot many expedition cruise lines can trace their roots back more than a century. In that regard, HX Expeditions truly stand in a league of their own.
Widely considered the grandfather of modern expedition cruising, HX’s story began in the summer of 1896, with the first ever expedition cruise setting sail from mainland Norway to Svalbard that summer. Now, they’re celebrating 130 years of transporting passengers to the far-flung corners of the globe on once-in-a-lifetime adventures. As part of the festivities, guests travelling with HX this year will enjoy several exclusive ventures and immersive experiences whilst on board.
Epicurean inclined guests will have the opportunity to sample dishes inspired by HX Expeditions’ Norwegian heritage, with fresh ingredients sourced in the region’s forests and fjords. Highlights include lamb stew with spruce, cured Arctic char and the Queen’s kvæfjordkake with cloudberry. These experiences will be offered at both the Aune and Lindstrøm restaurants.
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OF EXPEDITIONS
As a post-dinner tipple, guests can order a limited edition 1896 cocktail—a blend of rum and aquavit, with notes of honey, lemon, apricot and amaretto, served in an enamel cup with a piece of chocolate on the side.
The most exciting facet of the anniversary celebrations, however, is the chance to party like it’s 1896, with an overnight stay in a replica 19th-century cabin aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen. For travellers drawn to maritime history and unique cruise experiences, this ought to be right at the top of the bucket list.
Conceptualised by AROS Marine and HX’s hotel operations team, the cabin features over 20 meticulously designed furnishings, including a stone-effect fireplace, traditional wooden chests and wardrobes, bunk beds, a desk, porthole window and even a secret bar (good luck finding it!).
No stone has been left unturned in the pursuit of curating a truly authentic experience—everything from the antique artwork to the ambient lighting to the salt-air-and-wood fragranced air has been chosen with the utmost care. The 1896 Cabin encapsulates everything that makes HX Expeditions one of the world’s leading cruise lines: innovation, commitment to their heritage and impeccable attention to detail.
Stays in The 1896 Cabin are available once per guest per voyage and are priced at an additional €100 per person, with all profits going toward The HX Foundation’s goal of raising £130,000 in their anniversary year as part of ongoing efforts to support science and conservation programmes.
Welcome Citizen Science to the programme
Whilst anyone would agree that there is certainly a time and a place for sun-drenched beach getaways or lively city breaks, an expedition cruise is simply not that kind of trip.
It’s a highly immersive educational experience, one designed to inspire, to leave a lasting positive impact, to deepen your understanding of this planet we call home. Yes, an expedition cruise can take you closer to wildlife, landscapes, communities and cultures than you ever thought possible—but that’s only half the story.
The other half is using this unparalleled access to gather data and conduct the research that helps HX’s scientific partners learn more about these regions and preserve them for future generations.
Science centre
As cruising evolves, travellers become more adventurous and technology advances, scientific discovery is no longer reserved for teams of lab-coat clad researchers. Instead, ordinary people can make a contribution— and HX know this better than anyone. Their Citizen Science programme was an obvious move, given that their purpose-designed expedition ships are small enough to navigate the most remote corners of the globe, traversing oceans home to over 90% of all known wildlife.
Travelling to some of the most enigmatic and biodiverse destinations on earth, including Alaska, Antarctica, the Arctic and the Galápagos, it’s not surprising that so many HX Expeditions’ passengers have become Citizen Scientists, with at least two projects per voyage. Past projects include tracking the migration patterns and breeding behaviour of penguins, whales and leopard seals, using Secchi disks to study the concentration of seaweed and phytoplankton around South Georgia and tracking celestial events and weather phenomena for NASA. All this data helps experts probe into the effects of climate change and invasive species, keeping pace with our rapidly changing world.
The best part is that you don’t need to lug any unwieldy scientific equipment around on the daily excursions. Oftentimes, a mobile phone is all that’s required to input data on wildlife apps like eBird, Happywhale and Zooniverse, providing media and sighting logs for millions of users worldwide. There are also opportunities to contribute to biodiversity database like iNaturalist or to take notes on
weather and sky patterns with Globe Cloud Observer, making observations that even satellites cannot.
Of course, there are times when something a little higher spec is in order. That’s where the Science Centre comes in. On an HX expedition, it’s not a restaurant, spa or pool that forms the beating heart of the ship, but this all-in-one laboratory, lecture theatre and library. Here, you can pool your data, conduct experiments using state-of-the-art equipment and attend expert-led talks, all of it furthering your knowledge about the places you’re visiting and the organisms that live there. The Science Centre is truly the central pillar of the Citizen Science programme.
Science centre, MS Roald Amundsen
THE
Experience SUITE
Watching the sunrise at the edge of the world, coffee made just the way you like it.
When it comes to adventuring with HX Expeditions, you can expect no shortage of style or luxury, regardless of which ship you sail on or which itinerary you choose. However, one thing that is guaranteed to elevate your experience beyond measure is upgrading to a suite.
Think sweeping spaces outfitted with light wood fittings and Scandinavianstyle décor, panoramic views from picture windows, abundant storage, large, well-appointed bathrooms and comfortable beds that can be either configured as singles or doubles. Some suites even come with private balconies and hot tubs.
Imagine starting each day on the balcony, watching the sun rise at the edge of the world, coffee made just the way you like it. Imagine returning to the ship after an unforgettable morning excursion, where a mouthwatering meal is waiting for you at Lindstrøm. Imagine sinking into an indescribably plush bed at night, knowing your next adventure is just one sleep away.
The suite experience starts from the moment you board your expedition vessel, with priority boarding and a chilled bottle of champagne in your suite. Whilst on board, you’ll enjoy an in-suite minibar, a daily turndown service, one free bag of laundry per day, as well as exclusive access to Lindstrøm restaurant (available on MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Fram and MS Roald Amundsen).
Although the restaurant is open to non-suite passengers for dinner (for an additional cost of €25 per person) only suite guests are able to dine there at breakfast and lunch, where they’ll enjoy locally sourced fare inspired by the far-flung ports on the itinerary. Their takeaway service means you can even enjoy awardwinning cuisine from the comfort of your suite.
The suite experience can be found across all five HX vessels, though the offering varies slightly ship by ship:
MS Santa Cruz II: Darwin Suites.
MS Fridtjof Nansen: MF Corner Suite, ME Suite with Balcony, MD Large Suite, MC Corner Suite, MB Extra-Large Suite, MA Extra-Large Suite.
MS Roald Amundsen: MF Corner Suite, ME Suite with Balcony, MD Large Suite with Balcony, MB XL Suite, MC Corner Suite with Balcony, MA XL Suite with Balcony.
MS Fram: Q4 Mini Suite, Q2 Mini Suite, MG Grand Suite with Balcony.
MS Spitsbergen: Q4 Mini Suite, Q3 Mini Suite, Q2 Mini Suite, MG Grand Suite, MX Owner’s Suite.
Expedition Suite, MS Fridtjof Nansen
Iconic Antarctica, The Explorer’s Route
MS Fridtjof Nansen | 15 nights | 21 November, 2027
Day 1
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Your Antarctic trip-of-a-lifetime begins with an overnight stay in the Argentinian capital, a.k.a. ‘the Paris of South America’. A city of history, sweeping green spaces, and vibrant music, art and nightlife, the blend of Latin American charm and European chic makes Buenos Aires like nowhere else on Earth. Spend your evening indulging in a fiery tango performance, tucking into a perfectly cooked steak or simply wandering the streets and soaking in the electric atmosphere of the city.
Day 2
Day 3-4
Ushuaia, Argentina
Cruising the Drake Passage
Follow in the footsteps of the great explorers during your two-day Drake Passage crossing. At this time, the Expedition Team will be on hand to fully prepare you for the adventure to come.
Day 5-13
Your day begins bright and early with a flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city on earth. This picturesque port town is framed by the soaring Andes mountains on one side and deep teal ocean on the other—the perfect gateway to the adventure of a lifetime. Once there, you’ll board MS Fridtjof Nansen for a briefing by the Expedition Team followed by an evening of settling into your home for the next two weeks.
Exploring Antarctica
No matter how much research you do, how many blogs you read or how many videos you watch, nothing can prepare you for that first glimpse of The White Continent. Pristine plains, dizzying icebergs and glaciers like something out of a modern art installation, the clear sky arcing endlessly overhead. Most striking of all: the silence, all around.
PERFECT TIME TO VISIT Ushuaia
November
Landscapes are at their most picturesque and unspoilt. Plus, you’ll be early enough to catch penguin courting season!
Day 14-15
Day 16
In Antarctica, you’ll tour the highlights, starting with the rugged South Shetland Islands and moving onto both the Penola and The Gerlache Strait, where up-close wildlife encounters is the order of the day. Binoculars at the ready for penguins, seals, whales and more! You’ll also follow in the footsteps of history’s famed explorers in the Antarctic Sound and the Weddell Sea, navigating the same ice-strewn waters as Ernest Shackleton 112 years ago.
Crossing the Drake Passage
Ushuaia, Argentina
Your journey concludes in Ushuaia, where you will fly back to Buenos Aires.
Why not extend your stay with a trip to Patagonia, Rio or another bucket-list destination? We’re here to help!
• Return international flights
• One-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Buenos Aires
• Internal flights and transfers between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia
• All onboard dining and unlimited beverages
• Complimentary wind and waterproof expedition jacket and HX water bottle
• Daily zodiac cruising and landings
• Expert Expedition Team onboard
• Citizen Science programme and onboard science centre
• Pre-paid gratuities, access to onboard sauna
• Tierra Del Fuego National Park tour
• WiFi throughout the ship and more
Ultimate
Norway, Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights
MS Spitsbergen | 7 nights | 20 March, 2027
Day 1
Tromsø, Norway
Setting sail from Tromsø (a.k.a. ‘the Gateway to the Arctic’) you’ll find that you’re in good company—this winter wonderland-esque town was the starting point for Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen, among others.
Day 2
Lyngen Alps, Norway
You’ll traverse this mountainous region via the 100-mile Lyngenfjord, a hotspot for adventurous activities, including kayaking, whale watching, hiking and snowshoeing. The evening brings a beach bonfire and traditional Norwegian fare beneath the stars and – fingers crossed – the Northern Lights.
Day 3
Senja, Norway
From rugged terrain and charmingly authentic fishing villages to rich Viking heritage and free-
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
roaming wildlife—in Senja, the best of Norway is at your fingertips.
Sailing toward Lofoten
Lofoten, Norway
With frost-tipped mountains on one side and the ink-black Norwegian sea on the other, Lofoten is a veritable winter wonderland just waiting to be discovered. Outdoorsy types will lose no time hopping in a kayak or embarking on a hike, whilst those in search of quieter pursuits will relish the opportunity to sample the cafes, restaurants and shops in Svolvær town.
Vesterålen, Norway
Depending on conditions you’ll spend your time in Vesterålen either cutting through the mythladen waters of Trollfjord or weaving between
Senja
Lyngen Alps
Tromsø
Vesterålen
Stokmarknes
Lofoten
Svolvær
Norwegian Sea
Norway
included with HX EXPEDITIONS?
• Return international flights
• All onboard dining and unlimited beverages
• Complimentary wind and waterproof expedition jacket and HX water bottle
• Daily zodiac cruising and landings
• Expert Expedition Team onboard
• Citizen Science programme and onboard science centre
Tromsø, Norway
• Pre-paid gratuities
• Access to onboard sauna
• WiFi throughout the ship and more
Day 7
Day 8
Raftundet’s Strait’s peaks.
As twilight falls, you’ll enjoy an exclusive ‘Into the Night – Dinner at the Museum’ experience at Hurtigrutemuseet, a museum celebrating Hurtigruten’s maritime history. You’ll get to explore the exhibits sans crowds and tuck into regional fare in the old dining room of the ship MS Finnmarken.
Sail back to Tromsø
Tromsø, Norway
Disembark in Tromsø, where you’ll say goodbye to MS Spitsbergen. If you have time, be sure to explore some of the key sights – such as the Arctic Cathedral and Polar Museum – before heading home.
Espen Mills
SAVINGS FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY!
MAXIMUM 90 PASSENGERS ONBOARD
Galápagos Islands, In Darwin’s Footsteps
MS Santa Cruz II | 8 nights | 22 September, 2027
Day 1
Quito, Ecuador
You’ll kick things off in the very middle of the action—literally. The journey begins on the Equator, in the UNESCO World Heritagedesignated city of Quito. An overnight stay gives you plenty of time to wander the Old Town, sample locally produced chocolate and stand with one foot in either hemisphere at the ‘Middle of The World City’.
Day 3
Baltra Island, Galápagos
Fly to Baltra Island, where you’ll board the stunning MS Santa Cruz II. The adventure begins immediately, with an excursion to Mosquera Islet, home to one of the archipelago’s largest sea lion colonies.
Day 4
San Cristóbal, Galápagos
There’ll be more birdwatching this morning at
Day 5
CALL OUR EXPEDITION EXPERTS TO ADD ON A MACHU PICCHU EXTENSION
Day 6
Punta Pitt, before a visit to the Cerro Colorado Tortoise reserve to visit the famous giant tortoises.
Santa Fe/South Plaza
Island, Galápagos
On the Santa Fe beach, sea lions and land iguanas stud the horizon and the water is filled with vibrant marine life. After lunch, it’s over to South Plaza Island to explore the astonishing flora and fauna.
Santa Cruz, Galápagos
The Galápagos famously inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, and you can learn all about it at Puerto Ayora’s Charles Darwin Research Station, which you’ll visit today.
Day 7
Española, Galápagos
You’ve reached the Galápagos’ southernmost island! Here, you’ll find a dizzying array of birdlife
Sally Lightfoot crabs, Galápagos
Eden Islet
North Seymour
Baltra
Santa Cruz
Puerto Ayora
Mosquera Islet
South Plaza
Santa Fe
Punta Suárez
Quito
Baltra
Guayaquil
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Punta Pitt
San Cristóbal
Gardner Bay
Osborn Islet
• Return international flights
• Two-night pre-cruise stay in Quito
• Internal flights and transfers
• All onboard dining and unlimited beverages
• Quito & Middle of the World excursion included
• Complimentary wind and waterproof expedition jacket, backpack and HX water bottle
• Daily Zodiac landings and cruises
• Expert Expedition Team
• Science Centre and Citizen Science programme
• Pre-paid gratuities
• WiFi throughout the ship and more
Day 8 Day 9 and iguanas (both the land and marine variety) as well as the famous El Soplador blasts water 75 feet into the air.
Eden Islet, Galápagos
Today, don your snorkel and keep your eyes peeled for green turtles, reef sharks and rays beneath the waves. If you’d prefer to stay dry, you can always explore via glass-bottomed boat.
Baltra Island, Galápagos
It’s time to wave goodbye to MS Santa Cruz II. Disembark at Baltra Island, where you’ll catch a flight to Guayaquil.
- Antarctica
“If you can describe Antarctica, you haven’t been.”
The captain of HX Expeditions’ MS Fridtjof Nansen, told us this early on during our once-in-a-lifetime trip to the seventh continent, Antarctica. It soon came to fruition exactly what he meant. HX’s Antarctica itineraries offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world’s last true wildernesses, experiencing the breathtaking beauty and
We’ve been On board
When it comes to once-in-alifetime expedition adventure, our team haven’t just read about it online or watched an introductory video—they’ve lived it.
That’s right, several members of the team have journeyed to the furthest corners of the globe with HX Expeditions and have come back with incredible stories to tell. Don’t just take our word for it…
ecological richness of the Antarctic continent.
My trip to Antarctica was simply the best trip and experience of my entire life and I think moving forward, it will prove hard – if not impossible – to top. From whale watching to polar plunging, the trip was life changing for me as an individual.
Mollie-Jo
Mollie-Jo, Antarctica
Humpback Whale
Lindstrøm
Helen - Galápagos Islands
Having the opportunity to sail with HX on Santa Cruz II around the Galápagos Islands was a dream come true! There is no documentary or article that truly reflects just how amazing these islands are, the only way to truly understand them is to visit. A relaxed style of
“Each day is so very different from the last; the excitement of seeing rare species never goes away!”
expedition adventure allowing you time to relax on Zodiac cruises or stroll through the varied landscapes on each island under strict supervision. Each day is so very different from the last—the excitement of seeing rare species never goes away!
HX ensure that you feel the heartbeat of the destination through their local guides and specialists that travel with you on board, this really is a true bucket list destination.
Henry - Arctic
With everything considered, I believe this cruise would be perfect for an adventure traveller and nature lover, someone who is interested in science and up for expedition style excursions such as the polar plunge, kayaking and hiking above the Arctic Circle.
“My favourite moment of the trip was seeing the Northern Lights above the ship.”
Overall, I can confidently recommend HX Expeditions to anyone and would hope to book on another one of their voyages in the future. The cruise line itself went above and beyond to provide such a special experience for their guests, whether that was alerting guests to orca and dolphin sightings or the staff performing karaoke in the bar at night! My favourite moment of the trip was seeing the Northern Lights above the ship.
